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Keywords

Segregation; solute elements; powders; microprobe

Abstract

A new experimental approach to the evaluation of chemical segregation of solute elements in ultrasonically gas atomized aluminium-alloy powders using X-ray spectral data of scanning electron microprobe analyser is described. The experimentally obtained chemical segregation data is compared with the conventional method of quantitative analysis and with theoretical predictions as determined from Scheil’s approach to the evaluation of elemental segregation during the solidification process. A comparison of experimental and theoretical predictions confirms the validity of the experimental approach in the estimation of solute segregation levels and also suggests that the solidification conditions considered for estimation of microchemical segregation can appropriately be applied to ultrasonically gas atomized powders.